From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for asthma typically involves a stepwise approach based on symptom severity, with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) forming the cornerstone of therapy for persistent asthma, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Components of Asthma Treatment
- For mild intermittent asthma, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol (2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed) are the primary treatment.
- For persistent asthma, ICS such as fluticasone (88-440 mcg twice daily) or budesonide (180-720 mcg twice daily) are recommended, with combination therapy with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol or formoterol plus an ICS for increased severity.
- Additional controllers for moderate to severe asthma may include leukotriene modifiers (montelukast 10mg daily), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (tiotropium 2.5mcg daily), or biologics for specific phenotypes.
Importance of Patient Education and Monitoring
- All patients should have a written asthma action plan and be trained in proper inhaler technique.
- Regular follow-up is essential to adjust treatment based on symptom control, as emphasized in guidelines for managing asthma exacerbations 1.
- The goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function while using the lowest effective medication doses, aligning with the principles outlined in the management of asthma 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For oral inhalation only. • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub® 100/50, Wixela Inhub® 250/50, or Wixela Inhub® 500/50 twice daily. • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 to 11 years: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub® 100/50 twice daily.
The recommended treatment for asthma is:
- For patients 12 years and older: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub (100/50,250/50, or 500/50) twice daily.
- For patients 4 to 11 years: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub (100/50) twice daily. Alternatively, montelukast can be used for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children ages 12 months and older, taken once a day in the evening 2 3.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Asthma
The recommended treatment for asthma typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some key treatment options include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms 4, 5
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) to help control symptoms and improve lung function 6, 7
- Combination therapies that include both ICS and LABAs, such as fluticasone/salmeterol or budesonide/formoterol 6, 7, 8
Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy
Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a common treatment for asthma, and the dosage can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Research suggests that:
- Low-dose ICS therapy can be as effective as high-dose therapy in improving symptoms and lung function 5
- The standard daily dose of ICS should be around 200-250 μg of fluticasone propionate or equivalent 4
Combination Therapies
Combination therapies that include both ICS and LABAs can be an effective treatment option for asthma. Studies have shown that:
- Fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol are two common combination therapies that can improve lung function and symptom control 6, 7, 8
- These combination therapies can be more effective than monotherapy with either ICS or LABAs alone 6, 7
Treatment Outcomes
The outcomes of asthma treatment can vary depending on the individual and the treatment approach. Research has shown that: